Suspended for England’s first two games at the 2023 World Cup, captain Owen Farrell is “trying to do everything to help the team”, even though he is “disgusted that he can’t play”, he said. he said Monday at a press conference.
The opener or center with 107 selections, leader of the English for a decade, will not be able to play his team’s first two matches against Argentina on Saturday (9:00 p.m.) in Marseille, then against Japan on Sunday 17 (9:00 p.m.) in Nice, suspended following a dangerous tackle during the victory over Wales (19-17) on August 12.
“Things are what they are: I was suspended, I accept the suspension, obviously I’m disgusted that I can’t play, but I try to do everything to help the team,” he said. he explained, fatalistic, at Touquet-Paris-Plage (north), where the XV de la Rose is based during the World Cup.
“I want to help as much as possible, to be part of the team,” he repeated. The 33 have a very big role to play this week, it’s not just the fifteen (who will play). Especially during a World Cup. During the Six Nations Tournament, the team is chosen for the weekend, and some of the guys in the group go home on Tuesday or Wednesday. That is not the case here. We’re together all the time.”
At 31, Farrell is, as in the last World Cup when England reached the final (defeat against South Africa, 32-12), the master to play for his team, whether he wears the N.10 or N.12. His role even goes beyond that of player in match, according to his coach Steve Borthwick. “Each day, Owen has been incredible for the team, he praised. He’s an example in training, and having him as an opener on the opposition team in training is not bad. I see the relationship he has with the players: he inspires them, the players lean on him, take advice.”
Ahead of the start of the competition, England seemed far from the level that allowed them to reach the final in Japan four years ago. The team suffered three defeats in its four preparation matches, even losing the first match in its history against Fiji (30-22).
